Special Events
Special Donor Events
For further details on donor events, please see the Seattle Opera calendar of events or contact Jennifer Johnson at 206.676.5535 or jennifer.johnson@seattleopera.org. Eligible donors will receive invitations to the events listed by postal mail. All published dates below are subject to change.
Diamond Donor Event
By invitation, donors $8,000+
Seattle Opera’s General Director Speight Jenkins hosts an exclusive opportunity for donors at the Diamond level and above. The 2009/10 Diamond Donor Event featured an intimate reception at The Meydenbauer Center prior to a stunning production of the Young Artists Program’s Ariadne auf Naxos. 2010/2011 date is not yet scheduled.
Crown Donor Rehearsal Dinners
By invitation, donors $4,000+
An elegant cocktail reception and dinner featuring an exclusive preview of the night’s opera by General Director Speight Jenkins. Following dinner, guests are escorted into the theatre to watch the final dress rehearsal. Invitations to the Crown Donor Rehearsal Dinners are mailed for each opera. 2010/2011 event dates are July 29, October 21, January 13, February 24, and May 5.
Young Artist Program Recital
By invitation, donors $5,500+
An exclusive recital featuring one or more of Seattle Opera’s Young Artists. Last season’s program featured a rare Young Artists’ Schubert Lieder Recital at the Seattle Art Museum. 2010/2011 event date is Saturday, February 12, 2011.
Young Artists Program Piano Technical Rehearsal
By invitation, donors $2,750+
Enjoy this unique opportunity of watching one of the most significant rehearsals in the pre-production process. Our production team works the lighting and set changes while the performers sing through the opera with piano accompaniment. This is a working technical rehearsal with no costumes. The artists, director, and conductor may stop the show at any time, and the singers will likely not sing in full voice. You may stay for the entire rehearsal or leave during one of the breaks. Limit two admissions per invitation. 2010/2011 event date is Friday, March 25, 2011.
Meet the Artists Reception
By invitation, donors $1,750+
An exclusive reception and opportunity to mingle with General Director Speight Jenkins and artists from one of the current season’s productions. Past Meet-the-Artists receptions have been held at the Capitol Hill Arts Center, Teatro ZinZanni and The Palace Ballroom. 2010/2011 event date is January 24, 2011.
Insiders’ Series: Backstage Tour
By invitation, donors $1,000+
Experience Seattle Opera in a whole new way! Go behind the scenes at McCaw Hall and get an insider’s look at how grand opera comes together. Limit two admissions per invitation. 2010/2011 event date are October 30, January 29, March 12, and May 21.
Insiders’ Series: Scenic Elements
By invitation, donors $1,750+
Join Seattle Opera donors on a motor coach trip to the Seattle Opera Scenic Studios in Renton. Learn from the artists and craftspeople who build sets for Seattle Opera and arts organizations throughout the country. Last season donors enjoyed the opportunity to witness the building of our newly commissioned work, Amelia. 2010/2011 event date is Thursday, March 24, 2011.
Insiders’ Series: Production Elements
By invitation, donors $800+
Costume Department staff offer a detailed look into the world of opera costumes. This tour reveals the fascinating techniques behind the assembly of costumes for grand opera. 2010/2011 event date is Wednesday, November 9, 2011.
Piano Technical Rehearsal
By invitation, donors $800+
One of the most important stages of the rehearsal process, the Piano Technical Rehearsal takes place in McCaw Hall and is one of the final opportunities for the artistic team to fine-tune the production prior to opening night. Limit two admissions per invitation. 2010/2011 event date is Sunday, May 1, 2011.
Final Dress Rehearsal
Donors $400+
Enjoy a final dress rehearsal of one opera during the season. See the cast in full costume and makeup, with full orchestra, and experience the rehearsal process. 2010/2011 event dates are the Wednesday and Thursdays prior to opening night of each production.
Annual Meeting
Donors $75+
Join the Board of Trustees and staff at Seattle Opera’s Annual Meeting. Celebrate in the successes of the recently completed opera season and hear exciting news about Seattle Opera’s future. The Artists of the Year are also revealed at the Annual Meeting.
Donor Lounge Information at McCaw Hall
Seattle Opera offers two private lounges for donors at the Crown Donor Society and Platinum Circle levels:
The Platinum Suite is reserved for donors at the Platinum Circle level ($12,500+) and is open only on Opening Night for intermission. It is also open for dinner prior to the show except on Fridays, Sundays and on the last Saturday.
The Crown Donor Suite is reserved for donors at the Crown Donor Society level ($4,000+) which includes those at the Platinum Circle level. Prior to performance and during intermissions, complimentary beverages, light hors d’oeuvres, and Dilettante Chocolates are offered. Light meals can also be pre-ordered for intermission. Reservations are not required.
Both lounges are located on the First Tier (4th floor) level of McCaw Hall. The Platinum Suite is located in the Norcliffe Room on the south end of the building and the Crown Donor Suite is on the north end of the building in the Allen Foundation for the Arts Room.
For admittance to the Crown Donor and Platinum Suites, please show your membership card to the staff attendant prior to entry. Lounge privileges are an exclusive donor benefit and are non-transferable.